Christmas Comes To The Families Of Oakland Murder Victims

OAKLAND (KCBS) – Some families who have suffered the ultimate loss have received some unexpected Christmas cheer. The children of murder victims were showered with gifts at a special holiday party Monday in Oakland.

Four dozen families who lost loved ones to murder in Oakland brought their kids in for Christmas treats, and presents, thanks to Carol Ferguson-Jones with the Nemo Foundation.

“Some families just don’t have it and the economy is so tight now,” said Ferguson-Jones. “You don’t want the kids trying to figure out, ‘how am I going to get something for Christmas if we don’t have any money?’ You don’t want them to turn to the streets or turn to something negative, so you always try to keep something positive.”

KCBS’ Doug Sovern Reports:

Nemo also helps families with funeral expenses. They partnered with the battered women’s program, A Safe Place, for this holiday giveaway.

After deaths in the family, Letithia Odom is raising her 3-and-6 year-old grandkids, and said that they weren’t going to have Christmas this year.

“I needed this because I’m a single mother and I work part time, and this is going to help me out tremendously,” said Odom.

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Doug Sovern began his career as a copy boy at the New York Times, and then moved to California to play in a rock band. After hundreds of gigs, an indie album and a whole lot of session work failed to make him a rock star, Doug returned to journalis...